Member Article

Call answering makes pay while the sun shines

A SERVICE set up to ensure business owners never miss a call while away from work has proved a winner for a County Durham joiner.

When Stephen Marshall booked a week’s holiday in Tunisia, he knew he risked missing inquiries that might lead to significant work.

Instead, he contacted Durham Office Services who provided a short term, fixed rate call answering service while Stephen enjoyed his sunshine break with his wife.

One of the inquiries has led to a lucrative property refurbishment contract worth an estimated £16,000.

Stephen, who set up County Durham Joinery Ltd in Chester-le-Street last year, said: “Going on holiday can be a bit of a headache for traders and consultants because you know you might miss calls and inquiries that could lead to potential sales.

“I have been on holidays where I have spent half the time on the phone and that can be expensive. But Durham Office Services told me about their special answering service and it seemed the ideal solution. I gave the team a script as to how I wanted the calls answered and prepared a diary sheet so they could book appointments for my return. If there was anything I really needed to know, then they could e-mail me but that only happened a couple of times.”

Jessica Trotman, Manager of Durham Office Services, said: “One of our clients suggested introducing an answering service having spent two weeks on jury service during which time she pretty much had to close her business – that can have a huge impact when you are self-employed.

“The service is very easy to set up and very cost effective because we only charge for the business calls we handle, and in Stephen’s case that proved very good value for money.”

Stephen added: “I would thoroughly recommend the call answering service especially for traders and consultants like myself who work on their own.

“I was able to have a relaxing and enjoyable holiday but came back to significant business leads, one of which will help pay for my next summer holiday!”

Durham Office Services offers an all year round telephone answering and mail management service to small business owners wishing to promote a professional image. It also provides administration services, event management and the premises on the Belmont Business Park boasts a range of first class meeting room suitable for training courses, meetings and one to ones.

For more information about Durham Office Services, visit www.durhamofficeservices.co.uk or call (0191) 375 5700.

Picture Caption – Stephen Marshall, of County Durham Joinery Ltd, with Jessica Trotman, of Durham Office Services.

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